Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, following UFC on ESPN+ 28 on March 14, 2020, in Brasilia, Brazil, the UFC held no events until May 9. Three events were held in Florida from May 9-16, The five events were held in Vegas from May 30-June 27, and four events were held on Fight Island, Abu Dhabi, from June 12-26. The UFC is back home in Las Vegas, and has held two events, with several more planned. Thereafter, it is widely believed that Fight Island, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE will play a prominent role.

At Tuesday’s DWCS post-fight press conference. UFC president Dana White was asked if UFC 253 on September 19, headlined by middleweight champion Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa would be on Fight Island. White said he knew, but wasn’t saying.

I do [know the timeline for the return to Fight Island],” said White. “When the time comes, I’ll announce it. 

I told you guys we were going back to Abu Dhabi. I think this next run in Abu Dhabi will be five or six weeks.

UFC 254: Nurmagomedov vs. Gaethje on October 24 would be perfect for Fight Island, and four or five weeks puts UFC 253 just out of reach. So expect the return to Fight Island to take place shortly after that. But, during the pandemic, things can change with startling rapidity, so don’t count on anything.

https://youtu.be/ExvCKo4ofSs?t=214

h/t Nolan King and John Morgan for MMA Junkie